12.2.6. Policy for minimization of disposable items

Middle East Technical University (METU) enforces comprehensive institutional policies to eliminate and minimize single-use disposable items made of plastic, paper, aluminum, and foam. Governed by the METU Inorganic Waste and Recycling Policy (http://sustainablecampus.metu.edu.tr/en/policies), national Zero Waste Legislation (https://www.mevzuat.gov.tr/mevzuat?MevzuatNo=32659&MevzuatTur=7&MevzuatT...), and operational oversight by the METU Zero Waste Unit (established in 2019; (http://imidb.metu.edu.tr/sifir-atik-birimi), METU systematically eliminates disposable items through complete digital workflow transformations, free campus water fountains, plastic-free dining services, reusable merchandise, and holds an official Zero Waste Certificate issued by the Governorship of Ankara (valid until 2030).

1. Paper Elimination via Comprehensive Digital Platforms

To completely eliminate paper printouts and disposable paper products, METU digitizes all core administrative, academic, and research operations:

• Administrative Operations: Internal and external institutional correspondence is managed electronically through EBYS (Electronic Document Management System). (https://ebys.metu.edu.tr).
• Research & Publication Management: Scientific Research Projects are managed through BAPSİS (https://bapsis.metu.edu.tr), while academic performances and publication incentives are processed via APSİS (https://apsis.metu.edu.tr).
• Educational Coursework: Course syllabus and learning resources are distributed digitally via ODTUCLASS (LMS), minimizing physical printing requirements for students.

2. Single-Use Plastic Elimination & Alternative Infrastructure

• Free Campus Drinking Water Fountains: To eliminate single-use plastic water bottles, METU provides free, accessible drinking water fountains across all campus buildings and public open spaces.
• Plastic-Free Dining Facilities: Central cafeterias and dining halls do not offer single-use plastic cutlery, cups, or kitchenware (https://kafeterya.metu.edu.tr/odtu-kafeterya-mudurlugu). Reusable items are strictly required for all food services and campus events.
• Student-Led Reusable Bottle Initiatives: Initiated by the METU Green Campus student association, reusable, BPA-free bottles are sold via the official ODTÜDEN Store (https://odtuden.com.tr). Revenues generated from these alternative reusable products are directly transferred to university student scholarship funds.

3. Institutional Binding Policies & Governorship Zero Waste Certification (Valid to 2030)

• METU Inorganic Waste and Recycling Policy: Mandates that solid waste is treated as a natural resource. Canteens, restaurants, and suppliers are obligated to eliminate disposable service items made of plastic, aluminum, or foam in favor of reusable or recyclable packaging.
• Official Governorship Zero Waste Certificate: In recognition of its campus-wide infrastructure and continuous waste reduction performance, METU was officially awarded the Zero Waste Certificate by the Governorship of Ankara, officially registered and valid until the year 2030.